Electromagnatics Disperate Help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around concepts in electromagnetism, specifically focusing on electric charges and electric fields. Participants are exploring problems related to electrostatic forces between charged objects and the behavior of electric fields due to point charges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion about the concepts of electric charges and fields, particularly in relation to a problem involving two conducting spheres and their electrostatic interactions. Some participants suggest using Coulomb's Law and setting up equations to solve for the initial charges on the spheres. Others raise questions about the application of electric field concepts to specific charge configurations and the conditions under which electric fields can be zero.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problems, with some providing guidance on using equations and concepts from their studies. There is recognition of the need for further clarification on how to apply these concepts to different scenarios, and multiple interpretations of the problems are being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a lack of understanding due to missed classes and seeks resources for further study. There are indications of confusion regarding the application of electric field concepts and the relationship between charges in different setups.

Berg
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Hi i am in ap physics and we just finished the electric charges and electric fields chapter but i am completely clueless. I haven't been keeping up with the problems and haven't been to a lot of classes and now it has come back to haunt me. Any good sites out there or can anyone answer some of my questions about these topics? I don't really get these chapters at all.

For example: 2 indentical conducting spheres, fixed in place, attract each other with an electrostatic force of .108 N when separated 50cm. The spheres are then connected by a thin conducting wire. When the wire is removed, the spheres repel each other with an electorstatic force of .0360 N. What were the initial charges on the spheres? Answer is -1 and 3 mirco columbs but i don't know how to get it.

This is the easiest question out of all of my set and i hope if i can understand this the rest will click 2. Also, any good resources on Electirc field due to point, line, disk, charges? thanks in advance
 
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Berg said:
For example: 2 indentical conducting spheres, fixed in place, attract each other with an electrostatic force of .108 N when separated 50cm. The spheres are then connected by a thin conducting wire. When the wire is removed, the spheres repel each other with an electorstatic force of .0360 N. What were the initial charges on the spheres? Answer is -1 and 3 mirco columbs but i don't know how to get it.

Assume the charges are Q1 and Q2. Write the equation for the force between two charges (Coulomb's Law).

The effect of connecting the spheres by a wire is that this allows the charges to uniformly ditribute themselves, so that the charges on both spheres will now be equal. Since the total charge (Q1 + Q2) is conserved, each sphere must get half this total.

Now again write the force equation with the new charges.

You have 2 equations in 2 unknowns. Solve to find Q1 and Q2.

As far as study resources, your textbook is often better than most online resources. Nevertheless, I believe there's a thread at the top of this forum, listing useful online resources.
 
Try googling HyperPhysics, that site should help.
 
Thx for the help guys, I understand charges and Columbs law but i still don't see how it applys to electric fields :confused: For example:

Two point charges q1= -5q and q2= +2q are separated by distance d. Locate the point (or points) at which the electirc field due to the charges is zeo. Sketch the electric field lines.

I do 2 Field due to point Charges equations and set them equal with each other because they both equal 0 and then can equal each other but the 1/4pieo and d2 cancel out and i just end up with -5q=+2q... ?? hmm i don't get it.

Another one that's been really bothering me is...
In Millikan's experiment, an oil drop of radius 1.64 micro meters and density 0.851g/cm^3 is suspended in chamber C when a downward pointing electric field of 1.92 x10^5 N/C is applied. Find the charge on the drop in terms of e

Errr would this be a point charge?
 
Last edited:
well i figured out the milken experient but for that other charge one all my charges end up canceling out still i don't quite get it :confused: why can't i set them equal to each other?
 

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